Perth: More excited than nervous at the prospect of squaring off against the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Australia's uncapped pacer Joel Paris said his team's bowlers only need to focus on accuracy to tame India's "world-class" batters in the ODI series starting January 12.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

The 23-year-old said he is pumped about making a mark in the series should he get a chance to play.



Asked if the prospect of bowling to somebody like Indian captain Dhoni is unnerving, Paris said it's a mix of both excitement and anxiousness.

"More excited I guess but there is a bit of nerves obviously. If I get to play, it would be fantastic. So, little bit of nerves but I think that's a good thing. I will certainly be using that as a positive rather than a negative," Paris said in a media interaction here.

The youngster has done well for himself in the Australian domestic circuit picking up 24 wickets in 13 List A games.

Paris said the Indian batting line-up can only be tackled with a consistently incisive approach.

"India's whole batting line-up is world class and they have been like that for a number of years. As for their record here, it's a new series, both teams start at 0-0. If we bowl really well and bowl in the channels we want to bowl in, we will give ourselves every opportunity of doing well. If we don't then as I have said, they have got world-class batters to take advantage of that," Paris said.

The opening match of the series is scheduled to be played here at the WACA, considered a heaven for pacers for the bounce it offers.



Paris said his side would spare no effort in exploiting the conditions.

"WACA is a bouncy wicket so the quicks have a bit more effect here. We have got four quicks in the side. It's bouncy and quick out here and we would try to use that to our advantage," he said.

"There is no secret that WACA and Gabba are the two pitches which have the most bounce and carry. The specific plans for batters is something we will talk about in the dressing room over the next couple of days and go from there.

The whole bowling squad we have got is fantastic," he added.


On the whole, Paris said the five-match ODI series would be exciting given that it would be a battle of equals.



"It is always a great series, isn't it. Two fantastic teams are always going to be very competitive. We are certainly looking forward to the challenge. If I get the opportunity to play, I will be looking forward to do well and enjoy myself out there," he said.

"It's been pretty hot in Perth over the last couple of weeks and I think it's gonna be hot for both the sides. End of the day, the side which handles the heat and all the pressure will probably win the games."



On his experience of being with the senior squad, Paris said, "I am absolutely pumped to join the group. The most exciting bit about being a part of this setup is the professionalism of the players and coaches. I am just trying to learn as much as I can and obviously, if I get a chance, to perform as well.

"It's been a tough couple of years, I haven't played a lot over the past couple of years. An injury last year kept me out for most part. I wasn't really sure that I would be playing any cricket this year but fortunately, it has worked out pretty well so far."